Pep Guardiola delivers honest verdict on Kevin De Bruyne’s move to Napoli | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered his verdict on former blue Kevin De Bruyne joining Napoli on a two-year deal.

De Bruyne was told to find a new club by the Manchester City board as the Belgium international approached the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, 10 years on from joining for £55 million from Wolfsburg.

The 33-year-old has admitted to being disappointed at the decision made by the Manchester City and Guardiola, who has held De Bruyne as one of the greatest players he has ever worked with over the course of his managerial career.

City fell off their usual pace last term and after failing to mount a challenge for the Premier League title and crashing out of the UEFA Champions League at the Round of 16 stage at the hands of Real Madrid, De Bruyne led from the front and dragged Manchester City to a respectable third-place Premier League finish.

De Bruyne has joined Napoli on a two-year deal despite interest from Saudi Arabia and reported talks with several clubs in the United States to assess his options and plan for life beyond Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have made a strong start to life without the legendary Belgian, signing Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders for a combined £80.5 million to bolster their options in the attacking midfield areas.

Cherki and Reijnders have slotted straight and quickly adapted to life in a Manchester City shirt, showing early signs of promise after helping the Blues claim a clean sweep of three wins in the group-stage of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

Guardiola was asked to provide his two cents on De Bruyne’s move to Napoli after Manchester City’s stylish 5-2 win over Juventus in their final Club World Cup group-stage clash in Florida on Thursday evening.

“I don’t love him (De Bruyne), I love him more,” said Guardiola, as quoted by Tutto Mercato.

“These (at Manchester City) years would not have been possible without his (De Bruyne’s) contribution.”

On deciding against offering De Bruyne a contract extension, Guardiola added: “It was a very difficult decision, I wish him all the best; he goes to a special place with one of the best coaches in the world of all time.

“Antonio (Conte) always manages to do what he has to do. I wish Kevin (De Bruyne) the best, a lot of happiness.”